Yanks have roster and lineup decisions to make
NEW YORK >> New nameplates greeted Yankees players in their clubhouse ahead of the Division Series against Minnesota: “OCTOBER SAVAGES” is spelled out under each number, a reference to manager Aaron Boone’s famous tirade at an umpire in July.
As players worked out at Yankee Stadium on a summer-like Wednesday, Boone maintained many roster decisions have yet to be made.
“First, we’ll go through the 13th pitcher and then what makes the most sense as far as what gives us the best option off the bench,” Boone said before the workout. “We’ll meet as a staff after the workout and hopefully finalize whether it’s 12 or 13.”
Edwin Encarnación, who hasn’t played since Sept. 12 because of a strained left oblique, appears set to return. The 36-year-old hit in a simulated game for the second straight day and homered off left-hander Jordan Montgomery.
“I think yesterday was a little confidence-builder for him as far as the ability to let it go and then coming in today feeling like he’s ready,” Boone said.
Encarnación hit .249 with 13 homers and 37 RBIs in 44 games for New York, which acquired him from Seattle on June 15. He made 12 appearances at first base for the Yankees, but figures to be used by Boone primarily as a designated hitter in the postseason.
“Whatever he needs me to do, I’m ready for,” Encarnacion said.
Bothered by a strained left groin that sidelined him between Sept. 12 and last Friday, Gary Sánchez also hit in simulated games this week. He was 1 for 6 at Texas last weekend.
“Took some at-bats to try and get my timing back,” Sanchez said through a translator. “I feel like I’m seeing the ball better . ... I’m looking forward to Friday.”
New York went 103-59 and won the AL East for the first time since 2012 — despite 30 players going on the injured list for a total of 39 stints.
Several players finished the season in deep slumps. Luke Voit struggled in his return from a sports hernia, ending 1 for 33, including 0 for his final 12. He could be dropped from the roster and replaced at first by DJ LeMahieu, and Voit’s roster spot could go to rookie Mike Ford, who from Aug. 17 on hit .379 with eight homers and 17 RBIs.
Shortstop Didi Gregorius hit .163 with three homers and 17 RBIs from Aug. 24 on. Boone could shift Gleyber Torres from second to shortstop, put LeMahieu at second and start Ford at first.
“I’m counting on Didi having a huge role for us,” Boone said. “I know he struggled here a little bit in this final month, but I know that it’s certainly in there. He’s one of those guys that I feel like will be better off in this kind of environment, these kinds of games.”
Gio Urshela, who gained the third base job after Miguel Andújar got hurt, ended in a 3 for 28 slide and sprained his left ankle in Sunday’s regular-season finale. Urshela, who tested the ankle Wednesday and said he was ready to play, remembered being with Cleveland at Yankee Stadium during the 2017 Division Series and anticipates a raucous crowd.
“I’ve been here for the playoffs but I’ve seen the other side,” Urshela said of the home crowd. “So it’s going to be fun the whole series.”
While James Paxton, Luis Severino and Masahiro Tanaka are set as starting pitchers, Boone still has not finalized their order.
“Hopefully finalize that today but still going through a couple of conversations on that,” Boone said.